How Arthritis Neck Pain Destroys Your Life - And What You Can Do to Stop the Pain

The two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that increases in severity as we grow older. The neck is not immune to osteoarthritis. Arthritis neck pain from osteoarthritis can be exquisite pain.

The seven bones of the neck are the cervical vertebrae. There are discs of cartilage between each of these vertebrae. There are a large number of muscles and ligaments attached to the spine which fan out to the back and shoulder blades. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord and supports the movement of the head.

As time passes a lot of wear and tear occurs on these discs and vertebrae. Consequently the discs become thinner which narrows the spaces between the vertebrae. There are also spurs called osteophytes that form at the edge of each vertebrae and joint. This is cervical spondylosis or more commonly osteoarthritis. Arthritis neck pain results from that narrowing of the vertebrae and pressure on the nerves and discs.

The arthritis neck pain that results will originate either from the stretched neck ligaments or the linings of the joints that have become worn. Bulging discs can also pinch the delicate nerve roots which will cause numbness in the arm and arthritis neck pain.

In the event of the vertebral artery being pinched, the blood supply to the brain may be compromised. This artery goes to the area of the brain that controls our balance and consequently dizziness is apt to occur.

Whiplash, which is an injury that usually results from a car accident, can cause severe pain. The head is thrown forward and then backward as the body moves in the opposite direction. While the symptoms and pain of a whiplash usually subside after a few weeks or months, there can also be a chronic condition that remains throughout the patients life. Arthritis neck pain can be one of those conditions. This would be due to the injury causing some degeneration of the vertebrae over time.

Many whiplash patients may be fine for years with the same symptoms returning after 25 or 30 years. X-rays done at that time will show some narrowing of the vertebral spaces and the resulting arthritis neck pain is the result of that narrowing.

While the pain may initially cause you to refrain from normal activities, the ceasing of those activities can weaken the neck muscles and create further stress due to increased immobility. Arthritis neck pain can be unrelenting. If it continues for a prolonged period, or if numbness and/or tingling occur you should contact your doctor.

Simple analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs may help but you must be wary of indigestion. Analgesic creams can also be applied to relieve arthritis neck pain. Applying to the painful areas of the neck will often bring temporary relief. A gentle massage during the application can be very helpful as well.

If arthritis neck pain persists your doctor may recommend a physical therapist or a chiropractor, both of whom are trained to treat this type of condition. The most important consideration is not waiting too long to seek help. Pressure on the nerves can eventually cause some permanent damage. Immobility can result in weak neck muscles. Maintain your normal activities and seek help.